August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Oct 25, 2011 23:48:33 GMT -5
August Stepped forth from a swirling vortex of purple and black into the dank and dreary alley behind the Black Griffin Inn, his new temporary home in Doma. There, the demon beast of white with the mouth of needle teeth greets him from the shadows. It softly nuzzles his shoulder, he caresses its neck in turn.
“Gather the others,” He spoke softly, adjusting his glasses. “bring them to where I showed you. There, they will feed. Go.” With a pat, he sends the creature on its way into the shadows.
Slipping inside the Inn, August returns to his room where he gathers a few things. Changes his clothes to another matching set, taking a briefcase and something special in a small little wooden case. He slams the door to his closest shut upon two grim silhouettes that moan out for mercy and departs his quant accommodations and heads forth to the castle.
He greets the guards, flashing his papers and Tricuetical badge, and enters, transverse the long hall to the Count’s Court.
“Count Sigismund, I came as soon as I could.” He bowed, “My people have already contacted our affiliates in the Empire and I assure you, this whole attack on Tzen business will be resolved with the utmost haste. This transgression against mutual assets cannot go unanswered.”
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Nov 1, 2011 1:24:56 GMT -5
And how would you propose we answer this... how did you put it Doctor? Transgression.
::The Count leaned his head on the knuckles of his right hand, on the surface appearing relaxed and collected on the marble throne of Doma castle. However, the fingernails of his left hand grated against the stone armrest, suggesting at unease or impatience in the Dragon King's mind. Above the throne, overlooking the throne room sat a grisly trophy; a skull equal in size to a horse with regal horns protruding from its crown. The Skull of a once proud and mighty beast; a dragon::
My sources tell me the Empire employed some unusual methods in the attack on Tzen. A legion of demons seemed to do the trick in confusing the Mage Knights at the outpost. Vector hasn't really been known to rely on such otherworldly means. Perhaps imminent dissolve is making them desperate. Still,
::The Count raised his intense reddish-brown eyes to the Doctor::
I wonder how they got their hands on such a force.
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Post by Nu on Nov 1, 2011 2:02:35 GMT -5
::Kamikaze remained silent as he heard of the attack on Tzen and what the Empire has done:: Nu had better not be behind this, otherwise I'll blow their cover myself. But, something is telling me this isn't his style. Why help Vector when they are nothing but an insignificant fly? I will ask her for answers.
Kamikaze: I will excuse myself mi'lord. Let you and the good doctor here share words without an audience present.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Nov 3, 2011 18:02:27 GMT -5
August coldly smiled when the Count mentioned the details of the attack on Tzen. It tickled him with delight to know that it disturbed the Count and sent a chill down the spine of all of Doma. The cold was going to run even deeper in the hours ahead. Delightful.
“The Empire is desperate, that is certain. Their resources are short and the stigma of national pride has made them a might ill rational. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have employed mercenaries or even divulged in darker arts out of desperation. But, we shouldn’t fret, my people are already appealing to the international community to employ sanctions but…”
A dark wash fell over August as he slowly approached the throne, speaking with his hands eccentrically. His eyes glanced up from behind the small wire glasses at the dragon skull above, taking not of it, then returned his attention back to Sigismund.
“I’ve heard, from a little bird, that something you have other then land that the Empire wants most of all. Something buried, something lost, something I fret, may be right below our feet. You aware of anything of that sort? Something that could entice an Empire to launch a thousand ships?”
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Nov 3, 2011 19:56:06 GMT -5
::The Count stroked the end of his chin, running his fingers through the coarse but well groomed hair of his goatee::
You would not have asked, Doctor if you didn't already have some idea. A dangerous question if you have even an inkling of something like that. One could make a powerful enemy with that kind of knowledge, both of the Empire and...
::He flexed his sharp angular knuckles::
Others.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Nov 3, 2011 21:30:22 GMT -5
August merely smirked coyly, letting the Count's words wash over him like an ego shower. He enjoyed being right.
"Tricuetical has many eyes and ears and even more hands in cookie jars, so to speak. There is much chatter in the Empire ranks about something, something housed here. I am merely curious to know what is stirring the hornets nest. That," He jutted a finger into the air, "Reminds me, I had the kitchen prepare some tea for us. A gift, a fine red tea from Deling. Hope you don't mind."
He gave a glancing look towards the kitchen, curious what was taking so long. "This 'thing', how secure is it from Empire hands and, were they to acquire it, what would that mean for them and the rest of us, for that matter?"
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Nov 3, 2011 21:43:10 GMT -5
It's nothing you need concern yourself with Doctor. It was never meant for the Empire's hands and they shall never have it. It's not something simple mortals can possess. What do you know of the bloodline of Doma's Kings Doctor?
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Post by Nu on Nov 3, 2011 21:55:19 GMT -5
::As Sigimund and August talked, Kamikaze made his way to the guest room Alicia and her group were staying in. He got to the door and knocked::
Alicia: It's open.
::Alicia looked up as Kamikaze entered. But she took note of the stern look on his face::
Alicia: What do you need Kamikaze?
::Before she knew it, he was infront of her, one of his poison tipped senbons pointing at her neck::
Kamikaze: Mind explaining why Tzen was attacked?
::Dropping her disguise, Astaroth's tail moved to intercept Kamikaze's arm, only for him to vanish and reappear behind her, his arm moving across her throat, moving the needle closer::
Astaroth: What are you talking about?
Kamikaze: Tzen was attacked some hours ago. What makes this interesting is that the Empire has demons, and seeing as you and Nu are the only ones that can summon demons, you're the only suspects on my list.
Astaroth: We have nothing to do with that. We do not ally ourselves with the Empire, why work with a bunch of bothersome flies that we'll easily swat later. You know our tactics are more political than militaristic. Another thing you should remember, me and Nu aren't the only ones that can summon demons.
::After hearing that, Kamikaze loosens his arm, allowing her to slip out of his grasp::
Kamikaze: I just needed confirmation. ::Puts senbon away as she shifts back to her Alicia disguise:: Nothing personal.
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Nov 3, 2011 22:10:09 GMT -5
::She turned and grinned, sliding a long red fingernail along the side of his mask::
Alicia: Don't insult me. You've wanted a crack at me for a long time now. And if this rabbit hole leads where I think it does, you may get your chance soon. While we're getting reaquainted I have some questions for you. Yami's been acting strange lately. Your master seems to have taken quite an interest in her. What exactly did you tell him about her when you came scampering back here?
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Post by Nu on Nov 3, 2011 22:24:31 GMT -5
Kamikaze: Only that I felt Yami was different from the other humans when I first saw her and he saw it from the look on my face, though we both know that is a lie. I do believe Yami would make a good actress when she's older, her cover story and how she delivered it was very convincing. I never revealed Yami's true past to him or what you actually are. But she's not the only one that caught his interest, he's also curious about your blind summoner. I think he knows what he is from sensing the power inside him.
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Nov 3, 2011 22:40:48 GMT -5
Alicia: I'm sure that ancient head of his is swimming with ideas about all of us. But what I don't understand is why he would need to guess at all. Why didn't you just tell him all of this yourself?
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Post by Nu on Nov 3, 2011 22:53:46 GMT -5
Kamikaze: Even though I am an assassin Astaroth, I still some sense of honor. Anyone that didn't betray my trust, they have my trust in return. Nu proved that when he kept nothing from me, even when he knew I would return to Sigimund's side eventually. And though you did threaten to kill me on some occasions, you were at least honest about it. The least I can do is keep your charade up. Nothing about our past of working together will be spoken of unless Sigimund asks.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Nov 3, 2011 22:59:43 GMT -5
August nodded, respecting the Count’s dismisiveness. “Enough to know that the skull above you bears more weight than pure décor. Though indulge me if you will, what, pray tell would make this object so valuable to the Empire that they wish war? Surely it must have some value for them to seek it. If I am to report on actions of recourse for our international affiliates, I do believe I must know as much as I can so that we can present sound arguments.”
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Nov 3, 2011 23:06:50 GMT -5
Again Doctor, you would not have asked if you did not already have an idea. And you should know that what was entrusted to our Kings of old hsa the power to change all of Gaia. Were it in my possession and it was my wish to destroy the Empire this instant, nay even the entire Southern Continent, it would be as I commanded.
::Meanwhile, in Alicia's chambers, the artificially blond woman turned her back to him, placing a finger under her chin thoughtfully::
Astaroth: If that's the casem then I might have a question for you to consider.
::She turned to meet his eyes again::
Alicia: Why hasn't he asked? He was imprisoned for almost two decades and you were who knows where. Certainly not straining your efforts to free him. When you returned did he even ask you to account for your whereabouts?
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Nov 3, 2011 23:16:39 GMT -5
August once again nodded, "We have an idea but not full understanding of it. The simple matter is, should Doma fall, how safe is it? Can it be retrieved by them, or anyone in particular? Is there someone or something that can acquire it from it's prison that we should make sure does not fall into the Empire's grasp?"
The tea had arrived, two steaming porcelain cups beside a kettle on a tray of silver and gold. One is handed off to August, which he takes eagerly. The tray is then offered to the Count for him to indulge himself.
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Nov 3, 2011 23:21:38 GMT -5
::The Count took the cup in the grasp of his long rigid fingers, but he didn't appear to keen on taking a sip just yet. The Good Doctor's notions of Doma falling didn't seem to sit well with the man on its throne::
Such a feat is impossible. It's protection is too great. In short, the only one currently capable of attaining it, if that conniving spider is to be believed is The Witch's Surrogate Iole Blakeney.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Nov 3, 2011 23:24:55 GMT -5
August took very, very clear note of that name. It conjuring up plenty of pictures in his mind. He sipped at his tea, savoring it.
"Iole Blakeney, you don't say? So only the supposed heir of the throne. Certainly quite secure it is then. Do we know where she currently is hiding since the Gala? Perchance Tricuetical's own security team could snatch her up before the Empire does the same and bring her back to you?"
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Post by Nu on Nov 3, 2011 23:31:10 GMT -5
Kamikaze: Actually he never brought it up. I was sure he had questions about what has happened during his absence. But it seems that it doesn't matter to him.
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Sigismund
Experienced Novice
My kingdom of Doma is very quiet now.
Posts: 92
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Post by Sigismund on Nov 3, 2011 23:35:31 GMT -5
::The Count took a sip of his tea::
My Wutai agents have already gathered intel on where the little brat is. Unfortunately it's in the shelter of someone I would rather have on my side. I'm two signatures away from being the true King of Doma, and after the fiasco at the Ball I must tread lightly, lest I give them reason to favor this upstart over me.
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August Krasnow
Determined Individual
"Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici."
Posts: 291
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Post by August Krasnow on Nov 3, 2011 23:44:10 GMT -5
"What a shame that a witch, her wench and a little whelp can be this troublesome. Rest assured that Tricuetical is appealing to the international community in your favor. Miss Blakeney, thankfully for you, gallivants around with that wanted rat and Leah Garden has begun to fall out of favor with many countries over her ties to both of them."
He watched closely as the Count drank.
"I again present you my offer, off the record. She is already wanted in Esthar for crimes and our own agents wish her just as much as yours, I'm sure. With some political pandering, we could transfer her from us to you. Gesture of solidarity or something. All we need to know is where she is."
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